ARES

Présentation MP ARES

The objective of the ARES macro-project (MP) is to study and to realize modular experimental rockets with the aim of:

serving as test bench during flight for the technologies developed in the other MP
(for example a hybrid HERA, or bi-liquid MINERVA engine)

qualifying PERSEUS procedures for sizing cases of a launcher on an atmospheric flight :
changeover to the transsonic regime and resist to the maximal dynamic pressure

finalizing a bi-stages configuration

studying airborne launch.

This macro-project focuses on innovation and modularity. A particular study concerns mass optimization of the structure and the equipment.
All ARES rockets are defined according to common characteristics, such as :

An outside diameter of the structure of 160 mm

A recovery system by axial separation

An external structure made from innovative sandwich composite tubes

Light fins easy to assemble and to take off

The use of the PERSEUS launch pad (for launches from the ground)

The standard GAREF electrical architecture.

ARES Organisation

The works made on ARES MP mainly arise from teams of students which work within the framework of their year project on subjects of studies or development, or members of associations who participate in the conception of a rocket. Research laboratories also take part in the technological developments of the MP and in the supervision of the students’ projects. IPSA’s (Polytechnic Institute of Advanced Sciences) Laboratory of Mecatronics which developed a specific link with the Integrated Project team PERSEUS (EPIP), is in charge of the coordination between the various actors and the organization of the MP.

Launches in 2014

«A LARGE-SCALE LAUNCH IN SWEDEN»
Ares11S or SERA-1 : will be launched in the week of May 8th, 2014 on the launch base of ESRANGE in Kiruna. Propelled by Pro98-6G Green3 (9kg of powder), this rocket will be the first one in the project PERSEUS to reach a supersonic speed. Endowed with an expanding tubes structure and with fins in innovative composite materials, Ares11S also gives the opportunity to set up a new organization around both main associations of the Ares MP : Scube and Octave. The management of this project is assured by Bertin Technologies.

«THREE DEMONSTRATORS ARE PLANNED FOR THE C’SPACE OF 2014»

Ares14Bi-P2 Hydra : developed collectively by the Centrale Lyon cosmos and SCube associations, Ares14 is a bi-stages demonstrator whose purpose is to prepare the future bi-stage supersonic demonstrator SERA2 by testing a specifically sized system of inter-stage separation, to validate an electric and system architecture, and to test the logic of ignition of an igniter during flight. The second floor will be however inert (inactive propeller) to limit the problems of safety and involved studies.

Ares15Evo-P2 PrincessLeia : reconditioning of the Ares12Evo-MasterLeia rocket which flew successfully during the C’Space of 2013. The objective is to improve the system of control of roll and to move forward in the control of the algorithms of subjection and anticipation of the aerodynamic phenomena.

Ares16Evo-P2 EVE5 Reloaded : reconditioning of the Ares13Evo-EVE5 rocket which flew successfully during the C’Space of 2013. A new system of ejection of CANSAT will be implemented and aluminium fins made by a process of selective laser fusion will be tested during flight. Additional data will be acquired with the aim of the qualification of the “anémoclinométrique” peak.
“A DEMONSTRATOR OF AIRBORNE LAUNCH”

Ares10-Eole will be launched under the EOLE carrier at 4000 m, during a test flight on the site of DGA-EM of Biscarrosse. The main objectives are to verify the operation of dropping and estrangement, as well as the ignition of the propeller during flight. A particular attention is brought to the rather atypical general efforts for a demonstrator Ares and to the safety of the firing line of command, which has to respect very strict rules and standards. To facilitate the coordination with the tests, this project is taken back by the GAREF.

The Experience feedback of 2013

Three rockets were successfully launched during the C’Space in 2013. The varied objectives aimed at preparing the future more ambitious ARES demonstrators:

Ares12Evo-P2 MasterLeia : developed by the SCube association of ISAE / Supaero, this rocket allowed to test a new aerodynamic configuration for roll control and implemented an algorithm of closed-loop control. These modifications were profitable, both by the raw result and in the comparison with the theoretical data.

Ares13Evo-P2 EVE5 : developed by the Octave association of the University of Evry-Val d’Essonne (UEVE), this rocket allowed to test several technological bricks for the SERA1 demonstrator, in particular an anémoclinométrique peak of measure and a pulling out umbilical system. The complete success of the double parachute recovering system showed the reliability of its conception and comforted the choice of using this system for SERA1.

Developed technologies

The modular architecture of ARES is cut in various parts, each of it being the subject of specific studies. The main themes are :

The development of innovative composite structures by the Laboratory of Mecatronics IPSA (current patent registration)

The study of innovative composite ailerons by the students of the SAS Master’s degree of ISAE

The application of the specifications of the electronic architecture (MP AETNA) and the use of electric modules developed in particular by GAREF Aérospatial and other participants.